Thanks for the lovely replies guys. I expected better from a forum that I regularly contribute to, enjoy reading and learn a lot from.
Some airlines do not consider duty free purchases to be a constituent of your hand baggage allowance (Easyjet and Emirates being the prime examples). Others do (Ryanair being the classic example, explicitly stating so). Sometimes it is ambiguous and depends on the culture of the airline and the personel at the gate. Hence I asked whether anyone has recent experiences they can share.
All that needs to be done is to use a leetle bit of gumption and initiative.
Isn't that what posting here is an example of!?
cheap flights on obscure airlines
If that's what you think then I fear tha you are behind the times; Air Asia are a massively successful growing airline and an example of the future of aviation.